Bartonellosis

Disease description

This is a bacterial infectious disease characterized by the enlargement of regional lymph nodes.

Agent

Cat scratch disease is caused by bacteria of the genus Bartonella – B. henselae , B. clarridgeiae .

Distribution

The source of infection is cats, pumas, and some other animals belonging to the cat family. B. henselae is transmitted by biting or scratching a cat. The agent can also be transmitted by cat fleas. B. henselae is widespread in many countries.

Symptoms

The disease occurs 3-20 days after a cat scratch or bite. A firm nodule forms at the site of the scratch, turning into a pustule, which later crusts over, heals within a week leaving no scar. 1-4 weeks after infection, regional lymph nodes enlarge (more often in the armpits, less often in the neck, groin). They are painful but mobile. Rarely, lymph nodes throughout the body may enlarge. When another bacterial infection occurs, they can become abscessed. Typical systemic disease symptoms include weakness, loss of appetite, headache, weight loss. In rare cases, there may be a fever, enlarged liver and spleen, rash. The disease can also manifest with eye, central nervous system, or other organ involvement.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is confirmed by the presence of the agent in blood cultures or the detection of the agent’s nucleic acid in biopsy material. Specific antibodies (immune protective factors) can be detected in the blood. Blood may show an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, decreased platelet count, signs of anemia. A characteristic histological picture of enlarged lymph node biopsy material is determined.

Treatment

Spontaneous recovery occurs within 2-8 weeks. In severe cases, azithromycin is taken for 5 days. In cases of encephalitis caused by B. henselae , gentamicin is administered intravenously at standard doses.

Prevention

People caring for animals must follow general personal protective measures.

Source | Author Doctor Nikas Samuolis, reviewed by Prof. Virginijus Šapoka | Vilnius University | Faculty of Medicine | Head of the Department of Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, and Oncology